Polystyrene-b-Poly(2-(Methoxyethoxy)ethyl Methacrylate) Polymerization by Different Controlled Polymerization Mechanisms

Functional polymers have been an important field of research in recent years. With the development of the controlled polymerization methods, block-copolymers of defined structures and properties could be obtained. In this paper, the possibility of the synthesis of the functional block-copolymer polystyrene-b-poly(2-(methoxyethoxy)ethyl methacrylate) was tested. The target was to prepare the polymer of the number average molecular weight (Mn) of approximately 120 that would contain 20–40% of poly(2-(methoxyethoxy)ethyl methacrylate) by mass and in which the polymer phases would be separated. The polymerization reactions were performed by three different mechanisms for the controlled polymerization—sequential anionic polymerization, atomic transfer radical polymerization and the combination of those two methods. In sequential anionic polymerization and in atomic transfer radical polymerization block-copolymers of the desired composition were obtained but with the Mn significantly lower than desired (up to 30). The polymerization of the block-copolymers of the higher Mn was unsuccessful, and the possible mechanisms for the unwanted side reactions are discussed. It is also concluded that combination of sequential anionic polymerization and atomic transfer radical polymerization is not suitable for this system as polystyrene macroinitiator cannot initiate the polymerization of poly(2-(methoxyethoxy)ethyl methacrylate).

Functionalization of Starch for Macro-Initiator of Atomic Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP)

Using of petro-polymers such as polymethylmethacrylate, polypropylene and polyethylene in the world has been undergoing a critical problem due to significantly decreasing of petroleoum stock as monomer sources. Therefore reducing of the petro-polymer usage should be performed by using natural resources such as modified starches.This study reported addition of an acyl bromide compound to substitute hydroxyl groups on the starch obtains a macro initiator for graft-copolymerizing polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) onto the functionalized starch as starch-g-PMMA through atomic transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) method. The starch activation through the substitution of the hydroxyl functional group creates ability of the starch to transfer a radical atom onto a petro-monomer such an alkylmethacrylate which furthermore polymerize into starch-g-PMMA at mild condition. This paper reported study of the starch activation describing about screening catalysts and acyl bromide compounds, optimizing process variables such as amount ratio of a selected acyl bromide compound to starch and temperature. The functionalized starchs were analysed by 13-CNMR, FTIR, titration and their morphology was observed by FE-SEM.

Phase Separation in Thermosetting Blends of Epoxy Resin with PS-b-PCL and PI-Si Block Copolymers

Amphiphilic Diblock Copolymer Poly(styrene-b-ε-Caprolactone) were Synthesized. Firstly, Polystyrene was Synthesized via Sequential Atomic Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP), and then the Tetra Hydro Lithium Aluminum (LiAlH4) was Used as a Reducing Agent in Tetra Hydro (THF) to Reduce Polystyrene to the Pre-Polymer Monohydroxy-Terminated Polystyrene (PS-OH). as Following, Amphiphilic Diblock were Obtained by Ring Opening Polymerization. and the Structure of Diblock Polymer was Investigated by FTIR. Furthermore, the Block Copolymers were Added into the Mixture of Epoxy and me-THPA. and the Optical Microscopy(OM) Shows that the Microphase Separation Occured in this System and the PS-b-PCL can Promote the Phase Separation in the System.

Grafting zwitterionic polymer brushes via electrochemical surface-initiated atomic-transfer radical polymerization for anti-fouling applications

Grafting zwitterionic polymer brushes via electrochemically mediated-surface initiated atom transfer radical polymerization for anti-bacterial and anti-fouling applications.

Application of In-Channel Micro Chemical Plant to the Production of Functional Microcapsules

Polymeric microcapsules can be fabricated by using kernel process called “micro chemical plant system”. The size of microcapsules is more uniform than those made in the conventional pathways. Spherical microcapsules are fabricated through the innovative conjunction of the well-defined amphiphilic block copolymer and stable microfluidic procedure. Crossed microchannel chemical plant are fabricated by using double deep reactive ion etch (DRIE) on 400 μm-thick silicon wafer. The width and depth of this are 100 μm, respectively. PS-b-PMMA copolymer is synthesized by atomic transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and molecular weight and poly dispersity index (PDI) is 9837 g/mol and 1.08, respectively. With the introduction of two immiscible fluids into the microchannel, droplet flows are visualized by using a high speed CCD camera. The microcapsule was formed due to supramolecular self-assembly of copolymer in the droplet. The characteristics of the produced microcapsules were measured by SEM. A new microfilter was also introduced to separate microcapsule from the suspension fluid.